Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Realism/Fantasy

Okay friends... I learned an important lesson today. When it comes down to it, no matter what, no matter what you teach or what program you use, you have to be true to your own teaching style. I'm slowly learning that you don't have to have a full-on Reader's Workshop to use the strategies successfully. The sad thing is that I knew that, but I was seriously too busy having a pity party for myself to really let it sink in. I was essentially mourning the "death" of my old lessons, and as a result, I hadn't thought about how this experience would challenge me to mesh the two together. Starting over has been totally terrifying in so many ways, but today I had a serious reality check. I'm starting to look at the reading series through rose-colored glasses... and I'm starting to look for opportunities to teach the content with a new spin. Wish me luck! :)

The kiddos helped me generate a list of their prior knowledge about realism and fantasy, then they went on a book search to find examples. Of course, they're color-coded! The kids turned and talked before they shared out whole-group!

Holy cow!! How cute is your anchor chart?!! Trust yourself and trust your heart!! I always tell my students my favorite word in the world is BELIEVE. They have to believe in themselves and so will others;) I have no doubts you will have a wonderful year!!

We are starting Reading Workshop at our school for the first time this year and it is so scary not knowing what the year will bring and really what I am doing! Thanks for making me feel like I'm not the only one who felt like this!

Amanda, seriously I'm struggling with this too. Any tips? Specifically- how are you adjusting? Because I am struggling. Since context clues is our vocab. skill to go along with Boom Town I am using this awesome "Context Clues Guidelines" poster from Pinterest here http://pinterest.com/pin/150359069/

Amanda- I know this has been a big change for you but remember you are the professional here. So you have to trust your judgement. Once you get the hang of Reading Street and get to know your kids even better then you will see how to incorporate your wonderful lessons into Reading Street. My advice is to keep using trade books as much as you can. There are a lot of them related to the concept and skill. Make it your own and you will do great!

This is my third year to use Reading Street, and I'm happy to report it does get easier. P.S. On Friday after working on Boom Town all week, we have a "Pie Tasting Tea". A note is sent home on Monday requesting volunteers to send a pie on Friday...We usually have 10 or more pies to sample (and share with coworkers). It has become a third grade tradition that everyone looks forward to at our school.